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About Road Bikes

For fun, fitness, and a healthy, environmentally-friendly alternative to driving, a road bike is a perfect vehicle for almost anyone. These bicycles are different than other types, such as mountain, touring, and commuter bikes, in several significant ways. They are made from very lightweight materials, have a very narrow frame and tires, a drop handlebar, and no front or rear suspension. Road bikes are designed for everyone from casual riders to fitness enthusiasts to competitive riders; the important thing is that they are designed to be ridden on paved surfaces like roads and paths. Many bikers like road bikes because their lightweight frame allows them to go faster than many other types of bicycle.

Road bikes can be very expensive, but there are plenty of very affordable options on the market as well. Before you even start looking, determine your budget and stick to it. Don’t forget to factor in accessories such as gloves, special apparel, and the all-important helmet; you may also want road shoes, glasses, and other accessories. You’ll also want to get tools like a tire kit, locks, and other items to keep your road bike ride-ready and safe from thieves.

There are several things you’ll need to look for in determining the right road bike for you. These include:

Frame materials: road bikes are typically made from steel, titanium, aluminum, or carbon fiber. Aluminum bikes tend to be the most affordable, and their frames are known for being very lightweight and still nice and stiff. Steel frames are common on custom bikes and touring bikes; steel is a little heavier, but very comfortable. Titanium offers the light weight of aluminum and the durability of steel, along with corrosion-resistance. Carbon fiber was once the most expensive road bike frame materials, but it has become common enough that these bikes are very affordable. It’s preferred by many designers for its ability to be lightweight, comfortable and stiff in various measures.

Size: It is important to try out a road bike before you buy it, to make sure it fits you. Ideally, you want to be able to stand over the center of the frame, with just a little space underneath. A visit to a bike shop can yield expert advice on the proper fit for height, handlebars, and saddles.

Components: the important components of a road bike include the drivetrain, or all the gears and chains; the wheels; and the brakes, pedals, and seat. Some bike shops choose the set of components they recommend, but you should learn as much as you can to know what you’ll prefer, and don’t be afraid to ask them to swap it out for something you’ll like better.

You should ideally visit a local bike shop or an outdoor specialist such as REI. Make sure any store you visit can offer a sales specialist to help you choose the right road bike, and check that you can take each one on about a 15-minute ride to make sure it’s a good fit. If you know the type and brand of road bike you want, you can also find some good bargains online. If you wait until winter, you can find some extra savings.